AOS-CX

  • [ACSA Training #33] Routing

    Since a switch is a Layer 2 device, its ports can only execute Layer 2 functions and protocols, such as becoming a member of each VLAN (member port) or transmitting frames. When an endpoint is connected to a port used as a Layer 2 interface, it forwards an L2 frame based on the destination Layer 2 MAC address. ※ AOS-CX switch ports are Layer… by default

  • [ACSA Education #32] Layer 3 Fundamentals

    Having conducted approximately 30 training posts related to ACSA, I have covered content centered on Layer 2. Now, I would like to move up a level from Layer 2 and discuss Layer 3 content. We will examine Layer 3 topics such as IP packets, routing, and gateways. Let's start by finding out what routing is. Routing already refers to the interaction between devices within the same network (broadcast domain)...

  • [ACSA Education #31] Static & Dynamic LAG

    In the previous post, we briefly looked at LAG (Link Aggregation Group). LAG has two operating modes: Static LAG and Dynamic LAG. Let's examine them in turn. Static LAG: In Static Link Aggregation mode, devices do not exchange any control information with each other. In other words, LAG between switch peers…

  • [ACSA Education #30] Link Aggregation

    Switches must provide connections to many devices located on various VLANs. All traffic generated here communicates with each other by sharing links between switches. Therefore, multiple links are sometimes connected between switches to enhance resilience. However, this does not increase the bandwidth of the connection between the two switches. Even if two links are connected, only one of them…

  • [ACSA Training #29] Rate Limit & Loop Protection

    If the Spanning Tree is configured incorrectly, a Layer 2 loop may be created. In such situations, AOS-CX can specify the amount of traffic that can be received on an Ethernet port or Link Aggregation Group (LAG), such as broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast traffic. This feature is independent of the Spanning Tree, but CPU utilization…

  • [ACSA Education #28] MSTP Theory and Regional Structure

    A Common Spanning Tree (CST) defines a single Spanning Tree Instance for the entire network, regardless of the number of VLANs. All BPDUs use Untagged VLAN 1, so VLAN details are not considered. Additionally, due to the absence of load balancing, specifying alternative paths or achieving low line usage and potential performance degradation…

  • Installing EVE-NG on Hyper-V

    In the previous post, I introduced the AOS-CX simulator. The AOS-CX simulator can be run using emulators such as EVE-NG or GNS3. Today, I would like to look into the installation using EVE-NG. EVE-NG is a very powerful network virtualization emulator that offers the advantage of allowing you to use network equipment from various manufacturers just like actual devices. More detailed…

  • Explore the CX Switch with the AOS-CX Switch Simulator

    Aruba has released the AOS-CX Switch Simulator. Today, I would like to take a look at this. Many people have asked why Aruba does not provide a simulator for training or hands-on experience. Although they did provide an OVA file, users had to find the necessary information, install it, and test it on their own without any guidance or instructions. The AOS-CX Switch is a next-generation cloud-native switch. Compared to existing legacy switches and operational…

  • [ACSA Training #27] How RSTP Works

    RSTP (Rapid STP) operates a loop-free topology through the following algorithm: Selection of the Root Switch; Selection of the Root Port (RP) of all other non-root switches or non-designated bridge switches; Selection of the Designated Port (DP) of the links connecting each switch; Other ports operate in a blocked state to prevent loops; Root Switch…

  • [ACSA Education #26] RSTP Elements

    Continuing from last time, we will explore STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), specifically RSTP (Rapid STP). We will examine the key factors that the RSTP algorithm uses to determine which ports to use for traffic delivery and which not. Bridge Identifier Bridge Protocol Data Unit Rapid Spanning Tree Port States Rapid Spanning Tree Port Cost Rapid Spanning…